The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-10
COMMODORE GEORGE BROWN.
Citizens of Norfolk Call in Large Numbers
and Tender Congratulations.

and Tender Congratulations.
Norfolk virginian.
Yesterday being the day on which Captain
Brown. OF the hayward, received his promotion
to"the rank of commodore, the Board of Trade
of this city. at their last meeting, passed
luton to tender him complimentary serenade
last night. An invitation was also extended to
the citizens and different societies to participate
with them. The serenade was given ap-
probation of the efforts made by Commodore
Brown in behalf OF the people of this city in
curing work for this yard. The committee ap-
pointed by the board secured the service of the
Soldiers Home band and promptly at s45
o'clock p. M, the procession. composed of about
1900 people. turned off in the following order:
A platoon of the police, eight in number, headed
by the chief and assistant chief;
bers Fire Company, in uniform, with lighted
torches their hats the Board of Trade, the
members Of the press, the clerks, foremen. me-
chanics, laborers and citizens generally. all
anxious to pay their respects to him who but
two short years ago was a stranger in our midst.
but now one of the most popular men In our
community. The procession marched to the
Commodore's residence, where large crowd
waiting The band then played familiar
air, after which the committee from the Board
of Trade, composed of Judge l.. r. Watts,
chairman; o. V. Smith, Alexander c. Hatron,
E. N. Wilcox and w. S. Langhorn, entered the
Commodore's residence and brought him out.
Inc DdD0 tlen played HAL To the C016I. AFTER
which Judge Watts. in behalf of the Board of
Trade, extended the congratulations of the
board, the mechanics, laborers. workingmen
and citizens generally. He then gave a
brief history of Commodore Browns course
since his arrival here uD to the present time,
reviewing the many things done for the people
and for that reason they had gathered together
tonight to show their appreciation of him. also
to wish him WELL He closed his remarks by
asking those present to join him in giving three
cheers for Commodore George Brown, which
a<xSrv 01arn Rrnvu
came forward and thanked the people for the
large demonstration that had been given him
and expressed his gratitude at such compli-
ment. He remarked that he would like to
ask them all to come in and take glass of tea
with him, but his house was rather small.
CHEERS and cries of I'VE don't want it. We
only want to extend our congratulations"
Commodore Brown then related an interest
ing anecdote about his cousin, Artemus Ward,
who while travelling in Utah. said that in that
country the law gave the widows of the church
the right to select their spiritual husbands, and
twenty widows selected Mr.. Ward for their hus-
band. He answered that he liked the widows,
but there too much muchness there for him,
when twelve of them began TO weep and wall.
This was his There was too much much
ness for his house. He thanked the people and
said that he had only done his duty for what he
believed to be to the interest of the government.
He also paid glowing tribute to our mechanics.
Captain r. G. Marshall then arose and adj
brief history of Captain Brown He remarked
that there was but Httlefor him to say, as Judge
Watts had congratulated him on behalf of every
body except the women and children; therefore
he would have to extend these congratulations.
Mr.. Marshall gave great promises IN the belief
of what Commodore Brown would do before his
time expired, and also highly eomplimented our
mechanics. He concluded by saying that he
hoped to live TO see the day when the people of
Portsmouth would turn out and pay their
spects to Rear Admiral Brown, who would still
be in charge of the yard At the conclusion of
Mr.. MarshalPs remarks the procession reformed
and marched to the Board of Trade rooms,
where they were dismissed. The board left for
home on a tug chartered for the occasion.